Midrand Police Station recorded a 54.1% increase in reported shoplifting cases during the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, from April to June.

According to South African Police Service crime statistics, the station ranked third provincially and sixth nationally for reported shoplifting cases. Reported incidents increased from 61 in the previous quarter to 94 between April and June.

The latest incidents occurred at two filling stations, with security companies stressing the importance of vigilance, CCTV monitoring and reporting suspected criminal activity.

Read more: Suspect caught shoplifting

On September 16 at approximately 04:33, Ria Sebetsa’s 24/7 control room received a panic signal from a client following a shoplifting incident. The company’s operations director, Dilion Maduray, said armed response officers were dispatched immediately while control room operators gathered information about the incident. “A suspect had entered the shop, grabbed several items from the shelves and fled,” said Maduray.

He said officers located the suspect on First Road, about 2km from the filling station, after searching surrounding streets. The stolen goods, including candy bars, chocolates and other merchandise, were valued at about R300. Maduray added that the suspect was initially not threatening towards staff, but became aggressive after being noticed and fled. The suspect was reportedly unarmed, and staff activated the panic system instead of physically confronting him.

Midrand police attended the scene and obtained statements from staff. Maduray urged businesses to strengthen security measures and members of the public to avoid confronting suspects, who may be armed or dangerous. “We have observed an overall increase in petty and opportunistic crimes throughout the area, including cellphone snatching, shoplifting and common robbery,” said Maduray. “Cellphone-snatching incidents generally occur during busier periods, particularly between 18:00 and 23:00.

Also read: Midrand police catch alleged shoplifter

Shoplifting incidents do not appear to follow a specific time pattern and are generally isolated and opportunistic.”

A separate incident occurred on September 14, at another filling station at the corner of Le Roux Avenue and Bekker Road in Waterfall, where Hawkeye Security Solutions and the station staff apprehended an alleged repeat shoplifter.

Hawkeye Security director Rajan Pillay said CCTV footage had allegedly identified a recurring pattern over approximately a month. The suspect was reportedly observed spending extended periods in the store, purchasing only airtime while allegedly placing other merchandise into a black bag. “Following these observations, CCTV footage from the previous month was reviewed,” said Pillay.

Pillay said officers monitored the suspect before approaching her after she paid for airtime and left the store. Additional items, allegedly not reflected on the till slip, were discovered, and the matter was handed over to Midrand police.

Pillay said the company had observed an increase in shoplifting incidents affecting filling stations and other businesses across Midrand. He encouraged businesses to maintain operational CCTV systems, train staff to identify suspicious behaviour and preserve footage that could assist investigations. “Most importantly, businesses should have clear procedures in place so that staff know exactly what action to take when suspicious behaviour is identified or a suspected theft occurs,” said Pillay.

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